Communion

Should I Participate in Communion?

We at Cornerstone Fellowship Bible Church celebrate the Lord’s Supper monthly in accord with what we believe to be the practice of the early church (Acts 2:42, Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 11:23-27). We practice what some would call “Open Communion,” meaning that believers who are not members of our local church are welcome to participate. Nonetheless, the Bible teaches that we all should examine ourselves before eating the bread and drinking the cup (1 Corinthians 11:28).

1.Are you a Christian believer? Participation in the Lord’s Supper is only for those who have trusted in the atoning death of Jesus Christ as their only hope for the forgiveness of sin and right standing with God (Romans 5:1, Philippians 3:9, Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 Peter 3:18). Ordinarily, believers will have expressed their faith through the other ordinance established by our Lord -- baptism (Matthew 28:19).

2. Are you prepared to partake in a worthy manner? Partaking in a worthy manner does not mean that you can somehow make yourself worthy or that you must have had a good (almost sinless) week before you are allowed to eat and drink. Partaking worthily means that you recognize and appreciate what the bread and cup signify in representing the Person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 11:23-31). Partaking worthily also means that you are in fellowship with God, not in a state of unrepentant sin (1 John 1:8-10)

3. Are you in right relationship with your fellow believers? In addition to representing our union with Christ, the Lord’s Supper reflects our oneness (communion) with our Christian brethren (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). Are you committed and accountable to a local church (Hebrews 13:17, 1 Corinthians 12:12ff)? Are you in good standing with your local church (not under church discipline) (1 Corinthians 5:11-13)? Have you done everything within your power to resolve significant sin issues with your fellow believers (Matthew 5:23-24, Romans 12:18, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17)?

If you can answer “yes” the questions above, then we would be thrilled to have you partake of the Lord’s Supper with us this morning. If you can’t say “yes” to the questions above, we would encourage you to abstain from the Lord’s Supper this morning. And feel free to speak with one of our Elders or Pastors after the service. We hope that you will be able to join us for the Lord’s Supper soon!